A FORMER restaurant owner from Worcester is standing trial accused of three counts of sexual assault.

The trial of Mohammed Haque, aged 32, of Friesland Close in the city, started yesterday at Worcester Crown Court.

Mr Haque faces two charges of sexually touching a woman on the waist and buttocks between September 30 and October 31 in 2015.

He also faces a charge of sexually touching a different woman on December 7 in 2017.

Mr Haque entered a not guilty plea to all of the charges.

The court heard that Mr Haque was the owner of the Pasha and Arishana restaurants in the city when the alleged offences took place.

Mr Haque appeared in court in February this year, where he denied the first two charges.

The 32-year-old is the son of restaurant owner, former city councillor and magistrate Nurul Haque.

Mohammed Haque, sometimes known as ‘Sam’ Haque, was granted bail until 11am today, when opening statements will be heard by the jury.

The trial continues.